Families come in every shape and size, and as KidMin Leaders, it's our responsibility to care for them well.

In this heartfelt episode, KidzMatter's Chief Growth Officer, Sarah Carroll, shares her personal journey and insights on supporting blended families and families with incarcerated parents. After delving into the complexities of shame, bullying, and the need for churches to create safe spaces for vulnerable families, host Hannah Augustine and Sarah provide encouragement for KidMin Leaders as they approach these challenges with grace, awareness, and a commitment to making a positive impact.

Get your free demo of KidCheck, the expert on children’s check-in, today at www.kidcheck.com.

For more support regarding the content of today's episode, email [email protected].

Are you hitting the mark in your children's ministry? Are your stories and activities communicating the most important things - like the truth of the gospel?

If you can't answer those questions confidently, you may not be alone. The modern children's ministry movement has seen a wave of "Bible lite" teaching that has become the new norm. The good news is that the change starts with you.

In today's episode, special guest Matt Markins (CEO of Awana) shares important insights that will equip you to provide gospel-focused teaching weekly. You can hit the mark. You can teach the most important truths - and you can start today.

Looking for more resources? Get Matt's latest book, The Story We Tell Our Children, or access Faith of Our Children or Forming Faith on Amazon. To connect with Awana, visit awana.org.

Want to dive deeper into reaching the next generation? Email [email protected] to get a free KidMin Academy class!

New year’s health resolutions got you down? Tune in for this conversation with Alicia Summerlin, pastor’s wife and RN. It’s daunting to try to care for yourself physically in the middle of ministry chaos and family responsibilities - but it’s both possible and worth it. With twenty years of ministry experience combined with an understanding of the health field, Alicia brings a unique perspective to the table. Whatever your health goals may be, this conversation on balance and stewardship will encourage you as we kick off the year!

Grab a pen and take some notes as Hannah and Alicia provide practical tips for caring for your body in 2026! 

Interested in getting your free ticket to KidzMatter’s biggest virtual event of the year, Global KidMin Week? Visit globalkidminday.com!

Planning for 2026 isn’t pressure—it’s stewardship. In this episode with KidzMatter Founder Ryan Frank, we help kids ministry leaders gain clarity, confidence, and a practical path forward so the future doesn’t sneak up on them.

We start with vision clarity, because most ministries don’t lack passion—they lack focus. You’ll be challenged to define what “winning” looks like for your kids, families, and team, including creating a simple seven-word KidMin vision statement.

Next, we explore leadership rhythms that drive healthy growth, including planning rhythms, people rhythms, and personal rhythms that sustain leaders over the long haul.

We wrap up with simple, sustainable systems that help small teams do big ministry by strengthening communication, follow-up, and calendar planning.
The challenge is clear: lead 2026 with clarity, consistency, and sustainability—because you’re shaping a generation, not just a calendar.

Looking to strengthen your leadership in 2026? Sign up for a free trial of KidzMatter PRO at kidzmatter.com/pro.

Ready for a sneak peek of KidzMatter PRO? In this week’s episode of the KidzMatter Podcast, host Hannah Augustine and KidzMatter’s Chief Growth Officer Sarah Carroll dive into an engaging conversation on culture and ministry. 

Kids today are saturated by culture. As KidMin leaders, we can’t change that, and it’s not our job to tell them what to do or how to think. However, in our ministry environments, there are many opportunities for what Sarah deems “microdiscipleship”. God has allowed us to teach them discernment and grace as they navigate the world.

This episode will encourage and inspire you to have the hard conversations with your kids, their parents, and your volunteers. 

Want to lead with even greater strength in 2026? Sign up for your free trial of KidzMatter PRO at kidzmatter.com/pro.

We’re going back into the archives! In this episode of the KidzMatter Podcast, filmed at the 2024 KidzMatter Conference, host Jordan Davis interviews Pastor Nate Nupanga from Mercy Road Church. Nate has a unique perspective from his current seat as a lead pastor, but also from his previous roles in other ministry areas within the local church. As they’ll share in this conversation, Jordan and Nate both have a passion for helping KidMin leaders thrive alongside their senior leaders, and the principles they share provide practical handholds to help them do so. 

Remember this: when your pastor wins, so do you. Let's start 2026 with a posture of honor towards our senior leaders!

Looking to register for the 2026 KidzMatter Conference? We’d love to have you - visit https://www.thekidzmatterconference.com/ today!

What is theology, really? It’s not complicated - it’s the study of God! In today’s conversation with Pastors Randy Allison and Drew Hage, host Hannah Augustine helps to uncover some of the important theological truths found within the Christmas story. You’ll also learn how important it is to continue to deepen your own knowledge of God and His Word as you listen to this week’s encouraging episode!

At the end of the day, you’ll be reminded that our God truly is the God of the impossible, and this is demonstrated uniquely during this season as we celebrate the birth of Christ. Whatever you are believing for this Christmas season, He is big enough to meet you in your place of need!

Need prayer? Email our team at [email protected]! You can also sign up for our 2025 Advent Devotionals at kidzmatter.com/christmas.

Looking to make the most of the Christmas season in your ministry? Today’s conversation with Lauren Jackson from Kids Ministry Circle will give you tips and tricks for how to do that! Lauren has extensive experience in KidMin and a heart for discipling kiddos in every season, and her thoughts will inspire you as you plan to celebrate with your church. 

Whether you have a Christmas tree in your lobby or a manger in your classroom, you can take a step towards increasing your discipleship impact this Christmas. Sit back, grab a cup of coffee, and join us for this week’s episode!

If you don't know the name Jean Thomason, you may know her by another name - Miss PattyCake! In this week's episode, host Hannah Augustine has a heart-warming conversation with Miss PattyCake about the importance of investing in our kids from a young age.

From toddler to teen, what our kids take into their minds and hearts matters. Miss PattyCake, and Christian content creators like her, are passionate about providing biblically-sound and uplifting entertainment. As they do so, they're opening the door wide for the next generation to know Jesus!

Want to connect with Miss PattyCake? Visit her website at misspattycake.com, or watch her free YouTube stories on @misspattycaketv!

Christmas is, for many, the most wonderful time of the year. But how can we effectively balance family, church, and everything in between during such a busy season? 

In this week’s episode with Bob and Amy Bender, host Hannah Augustine leads a conversation on how to make the most of every moment during the Christmas season. Bob and Amy share ideas on how to create memories and experiences with your kids, even in the midst of Christmas Eve services, volunteer parties, and service opportunities. Their personal experience leading a campus while raising their five children gives them a unique perspective.

Whether you have kids now or hope to in the future, this episode will spark creativity for this Christmas season! Looking to connect with Bob and Amy? Email [email protected].